formula 1
Verstappen now before the sole victory record
Max Verstappen from the Netherlands from Team Oracle Red Bull is on track in Zandvoort. photo
© Hasan Bratic/dpa
Max Verstappen hasn’t known losing for a long time. When he drives, he also wins the Grand Prix in Formula 1. Nine times in a row – number ten can follow in Monza. Then he overtakes Vettel.
After escaping the champagne shower wanted Max Verstappen continues to enjoy his renewed victory in the home race. “The pressure to perform is there,” said the Dutchman after his Formula 1 triumph in the rain at Zandvoort on Sunday.
It was not only his third consecutive victory at the Dutch Grand Prix since returning to the racing calendar, but above all his ninth Grand Prix success in a row.
Verstappen catches up with Vettel
The 25-year-old two-time world champion matched Sebastian Vettel’s record from 2013. Verstappen did not want to waste thoughts on the sole record after the renewed victory. “I’ll think about that next week,” he said and, after the strong handshake, also prepared for a party evening with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
But Verstappen will also be the favorite at the Italian Grand Prix next Sunday. “Let’s see how it goes,” said Red Bulls motorsport boss Helmut Marko to the broadcaster Sky. “It was an unbelievable series with Sebastian Vettel back then. The fact that Max has now caught up with it fits this season.”
After the start of the second part of the season, the outstanding Verstappen leads the championship standings with 138 points ahead of his team-mate Sergio Pérez. Verstappen has won 11 of the 13 Grands Prix so far, with Pérez winning the other two. There was no non-Red Bull winner in 2023.